AIA Austin WiA Profiles 2024 featuring our Associate Navvab Taylor!
Hogg Memorial Auditorium achieves LEED Platinum Certification!
AISD Sánchez Elementary School wins TxA Design Award 2024!
Comedor wins AIA Austin Design Award of Merit 2024!
River Ranch County Park wins a Texas Travel Award and gets featured in Parks and Recreation Business Magazine! Have you been there yet?
We believe that the best architecture engages people across the full breadth of their humanity – their minds, their hearts, and their senses.
By inviting a cool breeze, a warm memory, or a curious thought, our architecture strives to create a conversation. More than a passing ‘hello, how ya’ doing’ it asks you to ‘sit down and stay a while’. Maybe the conversation starts off about the weather, but for those who have the time and inclination, the chat can grow deeper and more intriguing. By embedding our architecture with strong concepts, we aim to provoke engaging exchanges about ideas, to touch people’s spirit, and heighten people’s perception of themselves and the world around them.
Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” He could not have been more on point, so we endeavor to create architecture that lifts the spirit and transforms lives by inspiring people to become their better selves. We work to make places that encourage people to think more deeply, act more boldly and work more effectively; places that motivate people to connect with compassion; and places that invite quiet contemplation or evoke the joy of simple wonder.
The desire to belong is a fundamental human need and buildings structure our relationships to each other, the communities in which we live, and to the natural world around us. They can pull us apart or draw us together. Like us, everything we build is connected to something larger. When mindfully orchestrated, architecture can foster a sense of belonging and draw people together – whether as a family, a neighborhood, a workplace, a campus, a city, or a community of ideas.
Within the McKinney York studio, we practice concept-driven design. This means we develop a foundational concept for every project that becomes an axiom from which design decisions are made.
Concepts vary greatly from one project to another, and we do not place boundaries on what a concept might include or convey. However, a successful concept should be compelling — a common vision with our clients.
Good concepts do not need to be groundbreaking. The most profound results often arise by allowing a concept to inform the simplest aspects of a project, including the ways in which it is experienced and perceived. In the end, we hope a project’s concept is a natural interpretation of our collaborative design process and feels like it was inevitable.
Valid concepts must be able to give direction for design decisions like form and organization while accommodating a project’s practical requirements, but they do not need to be so specific that they produce immediate answers. Exploration will guide the design process.
The act of design is an exploration of a concept and the way it is represented in a building or project. From the planning stages through construction, the recurring questions we ask ourselves are “Is the concept compelling?”, “Does the concept represent the aspirations of our client?”, “Does the design execution creatively reflect the concept?”, and “Should we remove elements that do not advance the concept?”
It should be expected that thoughtful concept-driven design will lead to unique and unanticipated results. In fact, questioning conventions and traditions is a great way to start the design process.
Most of the architecture we admire were likely unconventional at their time. However, their endurance is not because of this, but almost certainly because they faithfully represented compelling ideas and concepts. We humbly aspire to do the same.
Sustainability plays multiple roles within the framework of concept-driven design. As an idea, it informs the conceptual basis of our projects. Health, clean air, longevity, and protecting the natural world are ideas that permeate our work.
As a practical concern, it is used to inspire and test the validity of concepts and design strategies. Sustainability goals influence and bring richness to the decision-making process.
As technical criteria, it provides guidance for evaluating the success of our projects. Operational carbon, embodied carbon, indoor air quality, and resilience are several of our most critical concerns.
In solidarity with these concerns, McKinney York is a signatory firm for both the AIA 2030 Commitment and the AIA Materials Pledge.
Michelle believes in the constant improvement of everything. She brings to the table a tenacious focus on creative design through every stage of every project. Complexities and limitations are not allowed to impact a project negatively, and the search for design opportunities is perpetual. Inside the studio, she constantly evaluates roles and responsibilities, adjusting them to solve problems and match the strengths and desires of every individual. Michelle places particular importance on creating a communicative and collaborative work environment.
“I cannot recall anyone with as much enthusiasm and dedication to her profession as I experienced with Michelle on our church project. I am reminded of her dedication every time I step onto our campus.” – Barbara Ruth, Oak Hill United Methodist Church
Al is a creative thinker with a knack for disentangling the most inscrutable problems. With our clients, as well as inside the studio, he plays a special leadership role for the firm – the person able to shift a conversation, reconcile differing viewpoints, or ask the right question at the right time to keep a project moving forward. In addition to his thorough understanding of the technical aspects of architectural practice, Al came to the firm with a background in teaching, having received multiple honors for his work at Texas Tech College of Architecture. Al believes in a rigorous formal design approach capable of underpinning an aesthetic flexibility.
“Al’s three-dimensional waterproofing details… I was amazed… I’ve never seen one again on any other project other than a McKinney York project… amazing.” – Carm Tassone, Harvey-Cleary
Brian has brought a honed design eye and extraordinary client service to a range of high-profile, award-winning projects over his tenure with the firm. He is an avid and informed gardener, and is sensitive to orienting buildings within a landscape in a way that anchors them to their environment. Brian’s project leadership enriches our design collaborations with clients; they value his thoughtful responses to their needs and appreciate the clarity, comfort, and character his designs afford.
“We worked closely with our project manager, Brian Carlson… We were continually pleased by his ability to carefully listen to our needs and respond with innovative design solutions that surpassed our expectations.” – Owner, Robbs Run House
Interests
Gardening, cooking
Who was your most valued mentor?
It would have to be my high school art teacher, Eileen Montgomery. She challenged me to think conceptually about what I create.
As a graduate of both the Architecture and Engineering schools at the University of Texas, Will brings a unique design perspective to the firm. He is an advocate for modern building practices and energy efficiency focused in reconciling those obstacles with elegant solutions. In the studio, he leads an ongoing charge to develop and refine our production standards and processes. Will is also interested in materiality and detailing and how they inform design through all phases of a project.
Interests
Photography, travel, cooking, building science
What is your favorite quotation?
“Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work.” – Chuck Close
Heather is a guiding force behind the firm’s design voice. Her ability to listen critically has shaped our collaborative design process, and her skill at teasing out the underlying and unspoken needs of clients is a substantial factor in our projects’ success. Relying on her depth of experience, she offers insight and wisdom to all of our projects. In addition to her design contributions, she has devoted herself to cultivating the architectural profession through years of service on boards, commissions, and panels both locally and around the country.
“As a teacher, I am delighted by what her work affords – guidance for my students who are hungry for inspirational examples.” – Andrew Vernooy, AIA, Dean Texas Tech University College of Architecture
Navvab is a proponent of the social role of architects and architecture. She has a highly-informed and practical interest in sustainability, and a commitment to volunteering and community engagement, both inside and outside the office. She solves her projects’ most complex problems with aplomb, maximizing the positive impacts of each building on the client and the users. Prior to coming home to Austin and joining McKinney York Architects, Navvab spent almost 10 years working at firms in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and at Zaha Hadid in London, England.
“The concepts were great. We continue to be impressed with your work and attention to our project.” – Sam Smith, client
Interests
Volunteer service at the preschool, in the parks, in my faith community, in my neighborhood; pilates and yoga; renovating my 1950s-era house
What is your favorite place?
Hampstead Heath – it is a great place for hiking, picnicking, and relaxing, with the best views of London.
Aaron is drawn to the cause without a champion. In architecture, that may be a project with a modest budget, a building that contributes to the fabric of the city rather than its monuments, or simply an unconventional design concept that deserves exploration. His interest in architectural history and theory infuse his work with a sensitivity towards context and precedent. His experience includes a range of work on educational buildings, science centers, museums, mixed-use developments, and private and institutional master planning.
“Thank you for your efforts to date on our project. The congregation at large is very excited about the expansion and looks forward to a beautiful and functional facility addition.” – Michael Delamore, Trinity Episcopal Church
Ginger is the business anchor for the firm. She is integral to our contract preparation and management processes and she manages the firms accounting. Her previous experience in the fast-paced construction industry helps her identify and evaluate ways to run our business better, freeing our architecture team to fully invest their energy into their projects. She’s a stickler for details with the sharp mind and calm demeanor of an old-school accountant.
Interests
Scuba diving, running, strength training, gardening, NFL
What is your favorite quotation?
“If you argue for your limitations you get to keep them.”
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Fitness, gardening, being outdoors
What are you good at?
Finances, numbers, analyzing, projecting
Interests
Sculpture, woodworking
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Looking for ways to bottle and distribute the endless supply of energy and joy my son seems to be tapped into.
What is your ideal project?
A monument, memorial or large scale public art project
What architects and artists do you find inspiring?
Maya Lin, Renzo Piano, Martin Puryear, James Turrell, Richard Serra, Santiago Calatrava, Michael Heizer, Constantin Brancusi, Andy Goldsworthy, Chris Drury, Robert Smithson
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Making things! I feel it’s sort of a dying art. It’s always exciting to have a new project, see it progress, and then enjoy the satisfaction of a completed product! I knit, crochet, bead, sew, cross stitch… the list goes on.
What was your favorite project and why?
The Forsyth County Animal Control in Winston-Salem, NC. It was a fun, challenging project, and it was very fulfilling knowing the animals would have a much better chance of being adopted in the new facility than the old, dark, dank one. I left the dedication ceremony with my kitty, Zelda (who I am still lucky to have 12 years later!).
What is your favorite place?
In terms of architecture? Columbus, Indiana. It seems largely unknown but is teeming with wonderful architecture. For fun? Rome. There’s no end to the things to do and see. It’s amazing to consider its age and how long structures have been there in comparison with the United States.
Interests
Biking, Woodworking, Lindy Hop, Bowling, British/Swedish murder mysteries, On the Media (Radio)
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Discovering Texas swimming holes
What is your favorite type of building?
Buildings that celebrate the craft of construction
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
Marketing is a universal practice, adaptable to any industry, but I’d always seek out a creative environment. While I could apply my marketing experience anywhere, architecture has been uniquely fulfilling. The impact of the work, the collaboration with passionate designers, and the chance to promote awe-inspiring projects make it unmatched in my experience. Alternatively, I would be a baker!!
What is your favorite quotation?
“He who has no courage can neither fight nor make art” Umberto Boccioni
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
Shelley Gabel, a retired Marketing Director, showed me that you don’t have to be an architect to speak to the beauty and significance of the work. She infused everything she did with poetry and creativity, becoming a designer in her own way. Whenever I brought her an idea—no matter how big or small—she always encouraged it and helped it grow. Her belief in the power of creativity deeply influenced my approach to marketing
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
I love cooking, baking, crafting, and most recently—sewing! I find that when my hands are busy with something I enjoy, it frees up my mind to do its best thinking.
What are you good at?
Turning inspiring design into marketing that resonates. Also, I’m pretty good at roller skating – or so I’ve been told by my husband.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
I love Palm Springs! The city feels like a step back in time, with its stunning mid-century modern architecture saturating every corner. The clean lines, bold designs, and retro charm are incredibly inspiring to me.
What is your favorite quotation?
“Be Kind, for everyone if fighting a difficult battle” – Epictetus
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
Sandra Bull, a High School Librarian and my boss when I had a grad school librarian job. She was kind, and encouraging. I was deeply impressed by her ability to be present in the moment to whoever she was with.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
Grace Bible Church in the Heights neighborhood of Houston. Great Client who wanted to fit into their context and willing to let us explore design options that brought light and warmth to their spaces. Also worked with a great contractor who was a true problem-solving partner.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
A couple favorite places – The Pearl on the river in San Antonio; So thoughtfully crafted from an enchanting mix of human scaled materials and landscaped forms . Wonderfully intimate pedestrian-scaled spatial forms and experiences that invite exploration and surprise. Reminds me of the equally enchanting Piazza San Marco, Venice.
San Francisco de Asis church, Taos. 300-year-old adobe church with fantastic rounded earthen forms and buttresses that fully inhabit the New Mexico land. Depicted hundreds of times, most notably by Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
Probably industrial design, I have a passion for designing and building furniture.
What is your favorite quotation?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Studying for the ARE Exams.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
Garza Ranch here in Austin TX, which is a large office building. I particularly enjoyed this project because there were a lot good design ideas that came to fruition in the built project. And this was also the first project I was a part of here in Texas that I saw built.
What are you good at?
Problem solving and building envelope design. I enjoy finding ways to translate design ideas into real buildable projects.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
Phillip Johnson – Glass House. I like this project because it was ahead of it’s time and in a way, we are still trying to catch up. The simplicity of design, the use of materials and the sense of place it creates is impressive.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I’ve always wanted to write for The Onion.
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
My high school AP English teacher, Ms. Donna Parker, who was a UT grad. She pushed us harder than any other teacher to find our hidden potential, but could always make us laugh. A 95 grade from her on a paper felt like winning a Pulitzer prize. She taught me the importance of one’s reach exceeding their grasp.
What is your favorite building you have visited, and why?
The SESC Pompeia Factory by Lina Bo Bardi in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the most successful adaptive re-use project I’ve seen. The architecture is remarkably humble, on purpose. The buildings are just the backdrop; it’s the community that makes them come alive.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I’d be some combination of a furniture maker, graphic designer, illustrator, art professor and punk rock drummer.
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Chasing around our kids and dogs with my wife, sketching, bouldering and going to concerts.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
I’ll never forget seeing Frank Gehry’s Neue Zollhof buildings on the Dusseldorf Harbor for the first time. The regular, repetitive extruded windows against the twisting, warping, contorting geometry of the buildings look like they jumped out of a sketchbook. I’d never seen such a playful and surreal series of buildings. This discovery propelled my love of design and architecture.
What are your interests outside the office?
Typically, anything that involves the outdoors. I love spending time in my garden, hiking, and travel photography.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
Farm to table chef. I’d love to grow my own ingredients and share with others.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
My mother, she has believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and she continues to encourage me to strive for my goals.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
A favorite project of mine was a residence in Rollingwood. It was a great process of getting to know the client and implementing the elements of design that they had been dreaming about. The site constraints were also challenging, and we had to get creative for some site solutions.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
My favorite place, building and architect are the ones I haven’t discovered yet. It’s hard to pick just one but I tend to dive in deep when I learn about a new one.
Interests
Cooking, travel, film and television
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I’d work as a production designer for movies or television
What is your favorite building?
Fondazione Querini Stampalia by Carlo Scarpa in Venice, because it taught me that great design doesn’t have to be a huge gesture; it can be the small details that make you feel something powerful.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
In another life I would definitely be a vet. Animals have always been my passion.
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
I look up to my father the most. Watching him build beautiful custom homes was the best part of my childhood.
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Anything that involves being outside and in the sun. Camping, hiking, laying on the beach or even a picnic in the park. Listening to live music and exploring new places.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I’ve always loved working with my hands and making things, so I would be excited to try something like baking or furniture making.
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Cooking, I get a lot of satisfaction from making a meal. Chicken noodle soup from scratch and arroz con pollo are some of my favorite go-to dishes.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
A Residential project in Lubbock, Texas while at Dick Clark + Associates. I worked on it from design to the end of construction (including a lot of long drives to Lubbock) and was able to learn so much early on in my career.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect, and why?
The Nasher Sculpture Center. Growing up in Dallas, it’s a building I went to often and I love the sense of calm, quality of light, and the visual clarity of the galleries. Nothing feels like walking off the downtown street into that building.
What do you spend the most energy doing outside the office?
Running around Lady Bird Lake, playing ultimate, rock climbing, bowling, supporting Liverpool, playing trivia and chess.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
Fraye Hotel and Fallyn Apartments in Nashville. It was the first project that I’ve completed from design to completion. I enjoy seeing guests’ reactions as they wander through the spaces that I’ve designed. Inspiring others is one of the reasons why I’m motivated to do architecture.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí. The symbolic space, the light shining through the colored stained-glass window and the innovative organic forms just create a magical space that I believe is incomparable.
What are your interests outside the office?
I’m all about cooking and baking, hunting for treasures at antique shops and thrift stores, and spending time at the park with my dog and going on long walks with him. I also love exploring and trying new coffee shops around Austin—there’s always something new to discover! I’m also a huge fan of OrangeTheory.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
If I weren’t in architecture or interior design, I’d be doing something in the cooking or baking world! I’ve always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and baking especially feels like a creative outlet for me. One of my favorite recipes is my homemade mini cheesecakes.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
One of the mentors I value most is a former coworker of mine, Sherri Woolley Ancipink. We worked together for three years, and she was the first licensed Architect and Interior Designer I truly felt I could learn from one-on-one. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to teach made a huge impact on me, and I’m so grateful for the time I got to work alongside her.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
One of my favorite projects from my time at my previous firm was designing a custom vacation home in Johnson City. It was a brand-new build on a big ranch, so we had plenty of creative freedom to bring the vision to life. The home was a cozy yet spacious three-bedroom retreat for a retired couple, and eventually, it would become their full-time residence. It was such a fun and rewarding project!
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
One of my favorite places is the Pearl Brewery district in San Antonio. I’ve actually spent so much time there simply because I love the environment—the design, the energy, and the overall character of the space. It’s such a well-thought-out urban hub that seamlessly blends modern design with San Antonio’s rich history. The way it incorporates the city’s unique charm while honoring its past makes it truly special.
What are your interests outside the office?
I have a lot of different hobbies including running, reading, traveling, and playing/watching as much basketball as I can.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I really enjoyed science and art classes in high school, and I also like the outdoors, so maybe something that combines the three. I think archaeology or cartography.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
Too many professors in college to mention, but they’ve helped me understand the meaning behind good design and its importance.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
I’ve worked on a new College of Visual Arts and Design, and it was interesting to see what equipment/technology the students use and how it can enhance their learning.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
My favorite architect would be Tado Ando. I’ve gotten the chance to see some of his projects both locally and abroad and his work also reminds me that simplicity of design and materials can deeply resonate with others
What are your interests outside the office?
I enjoy being active – yoga, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and traveling whenever I get the chance!
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
Probably an event planner or travel blogger/vlogger.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
My two sisters. In different ways, they inspire and encourage me to be my best self every single day! Not sure what I would do without them.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
I’ve really enjoyed working on the City of Austin Domestic Violence Shelter during my time at MYA. It feels like a project that is very rooted in the benefit of the Austin community, and it’s cool to see how an adaptive reuse project is carried out. During my academic career, I enjoyed working on the Kitsilano Pool restoration and reimagination project with Professor Kevin Alter. I love the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, so getting to visit the project site in Vancouver, British Columbia was a huge plus.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
I recently visited the Oslo Opera House designed by Snohetta and it was incredible. I liked how the building was monumental yet accessible and created such a unique and seamless dialogue with the surrounding fjord. Closer to home, I love visiting the Kimbell Art Museum designed by Louis Kahn because it’s the most beautiful art museum I’ve ever been to. It seems to get better every time I visit!
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I don’t know, and we shall see. I was a structural engineer before.
What is your favorite quotation?
“A house is a machine for living in.” – Le Corbusier
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
Le Corbusier, and his Villa Savoye. It is a beautiful project that perfectly shows Corbusier’s five points of Architecture.
What are your interests outside the office?
Running and cycling. I also run a yearly triathlon with my friends, CapTex, on Memorial Day. The swim takes place in Lady Bird Lake, and the bike is through Downtown Austin. It’s a pretty great course!
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
As a kid I always thought it would be interesting to design bridges, so structural or civil engineer!
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
At a previous job, we were able to work with the local non-profit Mobile Loaves and Fishes on prototype micro-houses for new phases of their Community First! Village. The client was so engaged, and truly cared about the quality and experience of the homes. Site visits to the community + getting to participate in a SIP build of a previously designed micro-home were some other highlights.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect, and why?
The High Line, by the LA firm Field Operations and the architecture firm DSR, in New York is one of my favorite places, including the new CLT bridge by SOM that extends to the Moynihan train hall.
I think it’s great that that space gives park space back to NYC, where public/green space is so hard to come by. It makes walking feel easy, as you’re confronted with new types of plants and spaces. There’s a section of seating stairs that looks down over the street, where people always gather. I love any reason to get outside, especially in such a dense city environment. It’s a great space if you’re ever in the area!
What are your interests outside the office?
Outside the office, I enjoy Pilates, ceramics, skiing, traveling, and trying new restaurants with friends!
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
If I weren’t in architecture, I would focus on crafting memorable experiences through food, design, and hosting. I’m drawn to the idea of creating spaces and moments that foster connection, blending creativity with the joy of bringing people together.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
The Louisiana Museum outside of Copenhagen is one of my favorite places because of its harmonious relationship between art and architecture. The design creates a seamless integration of the natural landscape with the museum’s spaces, allowing the architecture to enhance the experience of the artwork. The way light and materials interact with both the art and the surroundings makes the entire space feel like a continuous, immersive environment, where each element—art, architecture, and nature—works together in perfect balance.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
Going to the NBA draft . . . or designing for a tech startup.
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
My parents for making my life easier than theirs. They traveled to America to live the American dream.
What was your favorite project and why?
A tower in an engineering competition . . . It was so satisfying to construct a 5 foot tall model exactly as envisioned and to see it withstand an earthquake test after months of planning.
What are your interests outside the office?
Music, Cooking, Gardening , and Travelling.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I would love to be a part of a movie set, a Cinematographer or a Production Designer.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
My parents! They have been a driving force in my life.
Interests
Photography, cinematography, music, sports, rollercoasters, extreme sports, gaming, fitness.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my thesis because it took a lot of time and effort, and it helped me realize the potential alternative architecture paths that I would like to pursue in the future.
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
Byron Mouton, AIA. He helped me polish my design skills and instructed me in the process of construction from concept to realization.
What is your favorite place?
Anywhere I can disconnect from the routine, clear my mind and spark new ideas!
What are your interests outside the office?
Reading, swimming, hiking, and spending time outside with my friends, family, and dogs.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I’d want to be an architectural journalist or museum curator. Definitely something that would keep me in the design sphere.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
My parents, who have encouraged me to pursue my personal and professional interests to the fullest, but also taught me that those interests will take me in unexpected directions.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
In my short professional career, I’ve enjoyed working on exhibit design for the Briscoe Center for American History. It’s the perfect fit for my academic background, and I loved the involvement of a hands-on design-build project. I also got to learn new historical facts as I worked!
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
My favorite buildings are those that honor the natural world, either through inspiration or integration. My favorite places are anywhere that I can be in.
What are the things you do for fun?
Tennis, Skateboarding, and video or board games with friends.
What would you do if you weren’t in Architecture?
Although I have always been set on pursing Architecture, math is something that has come natural to me so teaching math would be an enjoyable career to fall back on.
Who has been your most influential/valued mentor and why?
Definitely my dad. It seems like any question or issue I have he has an answer for. He is just someone that I want to be like. He is funny, insanely smart, and just a really good person.
What was your favorite project (that you were involved in) and why?
In my very short professional career, definitely the Liberty Oak Ranch during my internship here at MYA. I was a lot more involved than I assumed I would be in my first architectural internship. In my academic career my favorite project was for a community center in the Far Rockaways of NYC that was designed to be flood resistant and act as an emergency shelter in case of flooding or hurricanes. We clad it in a double mesh screen that produced really beautiful exterior spaces in between the different screens.
What is your favorite place, building, or architect and why?
I don’t really have one favorite architect or building. If I was forced to pick one project that I inexplicably love, it would probably be Koji Kakiuchi’s “Hut”. It just scratches that one itch in my brain visually. The scale model is beautiful and sometime in the future I want to start making scale models for display in my house of projects that I really like.
What would you do if you weren’t in architecture?
I would want to be a hair stylist!
What are your interests outside the office?
I love a good craft. I crochet whenever I can, and I always love trying out different mediums.
What is your favorite quotation?
“Everything is everything”– Ms. Lauryn Hill
Who was your most valued mentor and why?
My dad. He is one of the smartest and most compassionate people that I know. He always has an answer for any question that I ask him and has taught me through example to be a respectful and kind human being.
What is your favorite place? Or building? Or Architect? And why?
I’m sure that this will change as I continue to grow and travel, but my favorite place that I have been to as of now is Durban, South Africa. I love how beautiful the landscape is and how rich and diverse the culture is. Most importantly, a large portion of my family lives in Durban so it holds a special place in my heart.
Architecture is an interactive process – a series of collaborations between owners, designers, builders, occupants, and the wider community. This process is enabled through free-flowing communication within our design teams and with our clients.
McKinney York is a collection of talented, enthusiastic design professionals, and we believe that great design is generated when everyone’s perspective is heard and respected. This is accomplished by empowering every staff member to speak and providing a platform for them to do so. The firm celebrates employee differences because we know diversity leads to greater innovation.
Our collaborative process extends beyond the studio to embrace our clients. With each commission we actively engage our clients and listen attentively to uncover the unique qualities of their project and site. The aim of this effort is to reveal not only the client’s top-of-mind goals, but also latent functional and aspirational goals, as these often determine the real success of a project.
McKinney York is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of ethnic diversity, gender diversity, and inclusion.
We are empowered by the distinctive backgrounds and life experiences that make each member of our staff unique. These diverse backgrounds bring diverse perspectives, infusing and illuminating the work environment and daily activities of design and creativity with otherwise unforeseen opportunities. The firm embraces and encourages expressions of employee’s age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other defining attributes.
We support and encourage the development of employee relationships and foster an inclusive culture where employees can grow through a collaborative experience. We are committed to ensuring our employees are actively engaged in the firm, through both outreach and internal check-ins. Also, our firm has implemented an internal mentorship program, allowing employees to learn from each other and grow. When our staff is engaged, we are all motivated to contribute and generate better design.
We strive to support and improve the communities where we live and work through volunteerism, outreach, mentorship, and our scholarship fund.
As a firm, we seek out opportunities to give back through volunteer work, from building trails for Austin Parks Foundation, to caring for animals at the Humane Society, to serving on boards and committees for over two dozen professional and community organizations.
One of our favorite outreach efforts is Architecture in Schools, where we share the creative endeavor of architecture with 3rd-5th grade students and explore how buildings contain space, how materials impact that space, and how buildings affect people.
Our mentorship takes many forms, ranging from one-to-one and small group activities to AIA Austin Women in Architecture, which aspires to spotlight female and nonbinary creatives and their work in the architecture, engineering, design, and construction industries within the Austin community to promote, validate, and illuminate women at all levels of their careers.
Since 2018, McKinney York has awarded an annual scholarship to support and encourage a talented, aspiring architecture student. This scholarship is available to an undergraduate, female student who demonstrates strong and original design capability and is entering her fourth or fifth year of the professional Bachelor of Architecture program at The University of Texas at Austin.
We are always looking for talented designers with enthusiasm and the desire to contribute to a creative and collaborative office. Our team members are optimistic creators, thought leading innovators, risk taking explorers, curious learners, and mindful listeners.
We offer health, dental and vision benefits along with a 401(k) plan where we match contributions, paid time off, paid family/sick leave program, and reimbursement for licensure exams. We are committed to the professional development of our employees by providing numerous opportunities for training, education, and career development.
We get together regularly for social events, health and wellness activities, and community volunteer days. We feel that these out-of office activities help build deeper relationships between employees and enrich the culture inside the office.
McKinney York Architects was recognized by the Zweig Group as one of the Best Firms to Work For and has received Firm Awards with both AIA Austin and Texas Society of Architects.
AIA and TxA Design Awards
AIA Design Fellows
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lectures and panels featuring McKinney York staff
publications in print and digital
cumulative years of service on AIA Austin and TxA committees
projects featured on the AIA Austin Homes Tour
McKinney York Architects is certified as both a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in the State of Texas and a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) in the City of Austin.
McKinney York Architects is committed to making our website accessible to all individuals with disabilities. Our website may link to or incorporate third-party websites and resources which are not owned or controlled by McKinney York Architects. McKinney York Architects is not responsible for the accessibility of third-party content, and we shall not be liable if the content is inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.